Online Business for Creatives Credential

Bridge the Gap Between Art and Business

Today’s creative professionals thrive when they augment their artistic talent with business skills. The online Business for Creatives Credential from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a four-course program that equips artists, designers and innovators with practical business skills to grow any creative venture.

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A business credential designed for creatives

What You Will Learn in the Business for Creatives Credential Program

A lack of business expertise shouldn’t limit your creative potential. The Business for Creatives credential program equips you with essential skills to transform your innovative ideas into impactful ventures. Through practical coursework, you’ll learn strategic business planning, market research, and value proposition development, alongside essential financial literacy like budgeting, forecasting, and understanding tax implications for creative businesses. You’ll also delve into operational essentials, exploring intellectual property, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance, as well as sharpening your business writing and communications skills.

Real-world applications, hands-on projects, case studies, and co-curricular opportunities will empower you to confidently move your creative concepts from inspiration to market success.

Program Benefits

Benefit from a 100% online program with flexible scheduling.

A streamlined, 15-minute Easy Apply application, with no need for an essay or letters of recommendation.

Earn the credential in as few as 8 months.

Develop business skills you can implement immediately in your creative business venture.

Learn practical career strategies for launching your creative business or advancing your career.

Who Can Benefit From an Online Business Credential for Creatives?

Our credential program can benefit you no matter what creative field you work in. You may work in the arts and entertainment industry and want to create your own business or product, or as a social media influencer. You may be a recent graduate from a creative discipline, or a graphic designer working in a corporate setting. Whatever the case, the Business for Creatives credential can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to take the next step in your creative career.

Course Sequence

Courses in the Business for Creatives credential program include:

Courses

Credits

Credential

Foundations of Creative Business Strategy

Core Skills

Business planning, market research, value proposition development, financial planning basics, mission and vision development, self-assessment for entrepreneurial drive.

Course Description

This course introduces fundamental business concepts, focusing on business planning, models, and key terms applicable across industries. Students will explore business opportunities, translate creative ideas into actionable plans, and conduct self-assessments to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and entrepreneurial drive. The course covers essential topics such as market research, value propositions, mission and vision development, financial planning, and the demands of small business ownership. Through discussions, assignments, and practical application, students will develop a preliminary business plan and a deeper understanding of how to move a business from concept to market.

Credential

Financial Literacy for Creatives

Core Skills

Financial accounting principles, financial statement analysis (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow), budgeting, financial forecasting, tax implications for creative businesses, managerial accounting.

Course Description

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of financial accounting and its application to small creative businesses. Students will learn key concepts, terminology, and tools used in business finance, including how to read and analyze financial statements to make informed decisions about cash flow, profitability, and expenses. Topics include budgeting, financial forecasting, investment principles, and entity structures, focusing on the tax implications for various business forms. Students will also study managerial accounting concepts, the creation of the four basic financial statements—income statement, statement of retained earnings, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows—and how to interpret financial data for decision-making. The course covers local, state, and federal tax treatment and multi-state tax issues that may impact creative ventures.

Credential

Business Communication and Writing

Core Skills

Business writing (proposals, grants, PR materials), media content creation, data organization, public speaking, persuasive communication, journalistic principles, media ethics.

Course Description

This course emphasizes essential business writing skills, from creating media content to drafting proposals, grants, and PR materials. Students will practice gathering and organizing data, meeting deadlines, and developing concise and clear written communication. In addition, students will develop public speaking skills, practicing how to present their ideas effectively, adapt messages to various audiences, and deliver persuasive, engaging communications. Topics include journalistic principles, public relations, media ethics, and the role of effective communication in business success.

Credential

Operation Essentials in Creative Industries

Core Skills

HR fundamentals, intellectual property (copyright, trademarks), contract negotiation, licensing, legal and regulatory compliance, operational software applications, professional networking.

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of essential business operations for creative entrepreneurs, focusing on understanding core concepts that will enable a business owner to interpret and apply counsel from a network of expert advisors in areas such as accounting, human resources, legal matters, and intellectual property as well as comprehensive software to support operations Students will gain a foundational understanding of key concepts needed to interpret and apply counsel from professionals in these fields effectively. Topics include understanding fundamental HR concerns, protecting creative assets through intellectual property, copyrights, and trademarks and strategies for contract negotiation, licensing, and navigating legal and regulatory challenges specific to creative industries. Through case studies and industry connections, students will deepen their legal knowledge, expand their professional networks, and be introduced to core software and applications, equipping them to protect their work and manage the operational complexities of running a successful business.

Why Choose MICA For an Online Credential in Business for Creatives Program?

As the nation’s oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design, the Maryland Institute College of Art is an epicenter of art and design education for creative leaders. Our fully online Business for Creatives credential program is designed for working professionals, providing flexibility without compromising rigor.

Learn from industry-experienced faculty and engage in practical coursework that bridges the gap between creativity and business acumen. Benefit from MICA’s extensive network of creative professionals and resources, including the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, dedicated to supporting your entrepreneurial journey.

The Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE) is a hub of creative applied entrepreneurial support, resources and programming especially designed to help MICA students and Alumni be successful. Learn more about RCCE.

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